Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D Review

Resident Evil 4 was a real turning point for Capcom’s survival horror series. Prior to its launch, the franchise was in serious danger of losing its relevance, but the changes introduced in the fourth instalment did much to reassert its dominance of the genre. It's also notable as the birthplace of the popular Mercenaries mode, a sub-game that tasks players with score-chasing as well as raw survival. It proved so well-liked that it made a re-appearance in the sequel, and now it's getting its very own outing in Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D.

Cynical observers have been quick to label this a quick-and-easy cash-in on Capcom’s part, and they have a point – there’s little here that is wholly new. Locations, characters and enemies are all taken from previous instalments, and most of the developer’s effort seems to have been spent trying to cram the powerful MT Framework graphics engine into the 3DS’s somewhat humble hardware. The fact that it's also used as a vehicle to push Revelations (a short and rather unsatisfying demo is included on the cart) lends credence to this assumption.

However, such negativity misses one crucial point – for the most part, this expanded mini-game offers challenging and addictive gameplay with engaging multiplayer modes and a raft of items, characters, medals and costumes to unlock. In a way it’s one of the most pure Resident Evil experiences yet seen; it cuts away all the peripheral material and distils the action, tension and atmosphere of the beloved franchise.

The game offers tiered progression, with five skills levels each sub-divided into missions. The objectives are simple – some require you to dispatch all of the enemies within a set time limit, while others throw an inexhaustible supply of foes at you to see how many you can slay before the counter ticks down to zero. You’re then graded on your performance, offering the tantalising prospect of bettering your own personal best, perhaps improving your tally by keeping a kill-streak going to boost your all-important combo score.

As you move through the tiers you'll gain access to new skills, characters, and more. Skills allow you to bolster your power, adding vitality, strength and resilience. However, the most appealing element is exploring how the various protagonists perform in the arena of battle. Each one has a different load-up of weapons, some boasting powerful melee attacks and others favouring a selection of projectile-based arms that can keep hostiles at a safe distance.

The game adopts the same perspective and basic controls as Resident Evil 4 and 5; the standard third-person over-the-shoulder view returns, although pressing the R trigger drops you into a first-person view, making aiming much easier as half your screen isn't obscured by your character’s head. Holding the L and R triggers together allows you to move your character around whilst drawing your weapon, deftly side-stepping incoming threats while returning fire on your assailant.

Most actions are mapped to the Y button, which not only controls picking up items and interacting with your environment but handles the discharge of your weapon when in aiming mode too. You’ll also use Y to stomp on the heads of fallen enemies (which grants a handy time bonus) and engage in contextual close-quarters combat. Other buttons come into play when you’re attempting to shake off the unwanted grip of nearby enemies or dodge incoming attacks. Some of these require you to press two buttons simultaneously, and the combinations are randomised so you’re always on your toes.

But this configuration is just one of several; if it’s not to your personal taste then you can tinker with various options until you find one that suits. It’s even possible to revert back to the old-fashioned third-person aiming method, should you find the first-person system just isn’t ‘Resi’ enough for you.

The touch screen is also put to good use and serves as both a mini-map and weapon/item selection tool. You can quickly switch between armaments by tapping the relevant icon, and pressing anywhere on the map will spin the camera around so you can see in that general direction. It works well, but whoever thought it would be a good idea to have your weapons on the left-hand side of the display needs their head examined. Because you’re constantly moving with the Circle Pad, you have to use your right-hand thumb to switch weapons, and this requires you to reach quite a distance over the touch screen. It goes without saying that during an intense fire-fight this is quite awkward.

Despite these minor niggles, the controls hold up very well. The need to constantly feather the L and R triggers can result in some occasional cramp, but nothing too serious. We had to switch off the 3D effect pretty early on, however – when you’re in a particularly hectic situation and you’re stabbing at the shoulder triggers incessantly, it’s far too easy to inadvertently shift the position of the console and lose the 3D sweet spot. This issue is by no means exclusive to this game, and the auto-stereoscopic effect is quite subtle here anyway – once it’s off, you’re unlikely to miss it.

Low-key 3D aside, the visuals are reasonably impressive. The characters and locations from Resident Evil 5 have naturally taken quite a hit in terms of complexity, but they remain a close match despite jagged models and low-resolution textures. One disappointing element of the presentation is the way enemies in the distance are saddled with reduced levels of animation to keep the game running smoothly. It's especially noticeable when using the sniper rifle; opponents jerk and stumble skittishly, completely ruining the sense of immersion and tension. The framerate is also less than perfect when there’s a lot of on-screen activity.

Out of the 30-odd missions, a large percentage are playable with another person. You can do this via a local connection or the Internet, and the latter offers a surprisingly solid experience. Tackling tougher levels with another player is a rewarding task, and the ability to play co-op extends the game’s longevity considerably. Some may also find that it’s the best way to overcome some difficult boss encounters.

It would be remiss of us to conclude this critique without mentioning the topic of save games. Capcom has decided that Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D’s save data should be permanent. Once you’ve started playing and saved, your progress cannot be scrubbed from the cartridge. That means all levels, characters, costumes and medals will be available forever once they are unlocked. Because the game is based largely around achieving high scores it’s not an entirely fatal problem, but it removes the appeal of unlocking content if you acquire a previously-played copy.

Conclusion

Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D entertains with its brand of fast-flowing action, constant stream of unlockables and captivating co-op gameplay. It’s far from a perfect package though, with occasionally rough visuals and a save system that is destined to ensure that second-hand copies are, to some, practically worthless. It’s also worth noting that unless you’re keen on repeatedly playing levels to boost your overall rating, you may tire of the game quite swiftly.

From the web

Damien has over a decade of professional writing experience under his belt, as well as a repulsively hairy belly. Rumours that he turned down a role in The Hobbit to work on Nintendo Life are, to the best of our knowledge, completely and utterly unfounded.

Game Trailer

User Comments (73)

Nice review Damo. Before the numerous save state issues, this is a score game. The point of not being able to delete a save is due to the fact that each time you play, you are encouraged to improve on previous scores. A person who would buy this used, would find all these scores that would be their objective to beat.

Nice review Damo. I was really looking forward to this, but I've never bought a non-story Resident Evil (on the other hand, I've bought every story-based one, sans a few that got updated later) so I might pass. It sounds great for on-the-go though.

At least you get a chance to unlock stuff on RE:Mercs. I would have had a lot more fun and spent more time on Street Fighter had we had to unlock some of the characters rather than having all the characters and outfits unlocked from the start.

First SSFIV 3D with it's lifeless static paper cut out people/animals for the environments, and now RE: Mercanaries jerkish twitchy animated enemies that are noticable in the distance makes these 2 lack polish.

This is the rating I expected. It is a really awesome game and I am really happy with it, but it could use a lot more content packed in with it. I don't think anyone should pass this game up, honestly. I'm happy with my Mercenaries 3D, and I'll be happy with REVELATIONS when it releases

Great review Damo. It's a little dissapointing to hear about the graphical glitches and such, but they don't seem to distract from the overall point of the game: mercilessly beating the tar out of waves of enemies. I don't think I'll get it now, but down the line for sure.

If I had a 3DS I think it would would avoid this like Shaq Fu. Between RE4 and RE5 I think I have played maybe a total of a 1 whole hour (give or take a couple minutes) of mercenaries. Now $40 for a game of just mercenary mode, ouch!

Comments like the ones I see here are the reasons why Nintendo gamers dont get good games. You guys whine too much. The game is awesome and I'm having a blast playing it. The review was alright but it deserved a better score.

I've been playing the game since last night when i got it. Just played it a few minutes ago during my lunch break. I saw no glitches, hiccups, slow framerate or anything that some reviewers have been complaining about. The game is absolutely awesome and addicting. Graphics are just beautiful.

@warnerdan: Don't judge a game from other peoples opinions. Okay, maybe the game could use a little bit more content, but It's not gonna be perfect. It's a beautiful game and deserves a bit more than a 7. Pick this one up. I don't really know why so many people are complaining and having mixed feelings.

I completely agree. If you're a RE fan, pick this one up. I have the original RE:DeadlySilence for the DS and this one knocks it out by a long shot. No comparison to any other portable game. Actually it compares to the RE games of the gamecube remakes, remember those?

Yes! And the graphics are phenomenal for a handheld. All the people here are just pointing out the flaws and making them sound like the whole game is ruined by them. Every game has flaws, deal with it.

22. capitalism 29 Jun 2011, 17:57 BST Comments like the ones I see here are the reasons why Nintendo gamers dont get good games. You guys whine too much. The game is awesome and I'm having a blast playing it. The review was alright but it deserved a better score.

No, the reason Nintendo gamers don't get good games is because Nintendo gamers buy and accept inferior versions of games from third parties.

Ive red review which gave game 82% saying it was additive and engaging and he didnt mention about any slowdown or anything remotely bad about game. He even enjoyed demo of RER

Like most reviewers we cant all agreed on what we think is good or bad. I had hard time looking at pilotwings 3DS review in my eyes game should got 4 possibly worst game ive ever played or payed for lol.

@1: My problem with the save state issue, is that I could care less about chasing scores. I played the hell out of the first Mercs mode in RE4 just to unlock the characters and get the bonus gun. Having ulockables gives me more incentive to play. The fact that they added missions with extra objectives sounds cool too, but it might be a while before I get enough money for a 3ds, so I may have no other choice than to get a used copy.

I'm not judging this game based on other peoples opinions - I haven't even read NintendoLife's review. It just seems as if Capcom needed to get something out to quell fans while they work on Revelations.

Nice review, and having a blast with the game. As previous people have commented, the demo is very short. If that is a reason for buying the title i would pass, It is fun, but will last you the most of 5 minutes, but it does show that it will bring the horror back to survival horror, it was pretty freakin scary.

Very nice review. You brought up your gripes as well as explained what the game did that works.

In my opinion, I absolutely LOATHE, not being able to unlock anything in a game. As much as I love playing MVC2's downloable version on my best friend's PS3, we both agree having everything unlocked by the get-go lessened the experience for us.

A very, very good game. It's a lot like Yoshi Touch & Go with its stressful arcadeyness. I've been playing it nonstop and loving every second of it. Definitely not for everyone, but if you like arcade games, then go for it, I say! Great review yet again, guys.

Is it just me, or does 3DS seem to have a large amount of low-content games? I mean, for $40, it seems like over half of the games barely (or don't!) have enough meat to justify the price. The only games I know of that seem to have a good amount of content on 3DS are Ocarina of Time, DoA, Street Fighter, and that Tom Clancy Shadow Wars game. What's up with that?

@Qwikman_Bass: I never expect a high amount of content in games for a handheld, no matter how powerful it is. I agree, some games just need a little more to them. I don't think Ocarina of Time is really "content-packed" but the story is just enough.

To me this game is the 2nd most anticipated game (the first was Oot xD)i really want it but there's 1 problem , i got little sisters who always sneak up in my room and keep stealing ds / 3ds games from me , and if they stole this game they'll get nightmares , and wont stop crying at night

I'm having a blast with this game. You all out there missing a good action game on the go. Why would I want to delete my hard earned highscores and achievements? This game has the potential to last forever; by the time I might consider selling it, it wont be worth lot of money anyway. This thing is a keeper, even more than many story based games (quite the contrary: most story-playthrough games aren't worth a second look).

This game is brilliant fun. It looks fantastic, plays well and there's loads to unlock. It is currently my most played game.Anyone not interested in high score chasing may want to look elsewhere though.

I held back on getting this for the longest time, because of the many mediocre reviews from many different sources, but I wish I hadn't because this game derserves a higher score becaues it is good! Probably the best graphics on the handheld to date.